Comunicados De Prensa

Senate Minority Should Allow Funding Debate

(Washington, D.C.)- Unless Congress and the president come to an agreement on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), current appropriations will expire on February 27, and all non-essential DHS functions will be interrupted. Essential DHS functions will continue - including the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - and more than 85 percent of agency employees are expected to stay on the job until funding is restored. The House of Representatives has approved legislation to fund the agency for the rest of the year - while blocking the president's Immigration reforms - but a minority in the Senate is filibustering the measure, preventing the Senate from debating amendments or sending legislation to the White House.

Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

"Members of the elected leadership in Washington often declare that 'the American people expect us to work together.' But unless these same leaders are willing to permit a debate on important legislation, those words are meaningless rhetoric.

It's important to restore faith in government by showing that Congress can and will debate legislation, consider amendments, and attempt to work the will of the people. It is important for Congress to have a debate and hold a vote on DHS funding. No one is required to agree with every provision of a bill - oftentimes there will be disagreement - but debate and amendments provide an opportunity to make it better. It's time for Republicans and Democrats to stop their posturing and begin a debate."